Premiership clubs may ask players to take wage cuts

Premiership clubs may ask their players to take a wage cut following the suspension in the ongoing season due to the outbreak of the coronavirus.

The Rugby Football Union on Friday confirmed that the season which was initially suspended until 20th April is officially over below Premiership level following the pandemic situation due to the spread of COVID-19.

According to multiple reports, clubs are expected to have a loss of £1 million which might force the players to cut their salary by 25% while support staff and senior executives also might have a lesser remuneration.

Following the reports, the board members of Rugby Players' Association had a meeting via a conference call on Thursday and have decided to hear out the club's view before deciding on any further action.

"While we fully appreciate the unprecedented times around global sport, we are also seeking urgent clarification on the current financial impact for English club rugby," RPA chief executive Damian Hopley told BBC Sport.

"Our advice is that players hear what the clubs have to say and then we will consider a collective position across the league."

According to a report in Daily Mail, it is learnt that Gloucester have already communicated to the players about reduced salaries while another report indicated that Wasps and Harlequins have also notified their team members.